"Trauma 2a"

I wrote an email to the hospital extolling the care I received whilst in Trauma 2A recovering from a fracture/dislocation of my ankle. My stay was for 1 week. Below is an extract: "The care I received throughout my stay was great - naturally I have fewer compliments with regard to the food! I felt in good hands and well attended to most of the time. I particularly appreciated the efforts made to try and help me feel like I still had some dignity despite often feeling quite the opposite. I would like to mention a few people in particular: My ambulance men were really great. Just the right amount of concern and joviality to keep me from panicking and worrying. The first doctor I met in A&E; he leapt into action and insured I was seen very promptly indeed. One of the surgical team who took the time to pop in to check how I was doing when he walked passed my bed. PJ has seen me at clinic and AEU when I came in and has been great. The consultant's job on my ankle and metal work looks very neat indeed; I look forward to getting my mobility back! My nurse in AEU while I waited surgery (and later on Trauma 2a!). She was very comforting and accompanied me into surgery which meant a great deal to me. On the ward, the nurses were lovely, comforting and supportive. They really made a huge difference. In fact, one helped ensure I stayed a day more to ensure I got my pain management under control. I cannot explain what a huge difference that made; I felt more alert and ready to brave home. They helped me deal with the least dignified moments of my stay and made it as bearable as such moments can be. A very special thank you to these three. The OT was also a really welcoming and comforting person during the last couple of days of my stay - even offering my wife a cup of tea when her hands were full with our baby! The physio was an encouraging force for my return home. Although I would not want anyone to have to stay in hospital for any amount of time, the team that tended to my recovery were professional, comforting, and just really nice. " There was only one incident I would like to mention that was negative - it was not in my email. I was given a catheter and was being helped from my chair to my bed by someone. I was very nervous of the catheter, very unstable, weak and in a fairly confused state. Unfortunately, the person helping yanked on the tube which was very painful. I believe I screamed and was not "patient" with her for which I apologise. However, I was just left half in my bed, in pain and barely able to get back in. I did not think this was acceptable. I understand I may have shocked her but I was weak, confused and drugged and should not have been left like that.

Responses

Thank you for your very kind comments regarding your care whilst you were an inpatient on Trauma ward 2A. It is always nice for the Trust to hear when things go well and I am very pleased that you received the service you would expect. Your positive feedback will be passed on to the staff responsible for your care and should you wish to contact the Trust directly with any further comments or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01865 221473 or at palsjr@ouh.nhs.uk and a PALS Officer will be happy to help